How good is Christmas time? Kids everywhere are getting excited, the warm days are stretching out till 10pm and the surf just keeps delivering. And then you have the parties and barbecues and the office email flood seems to abate slightly for once in the year – a welcome reprieve from a hectic year.
 
The festive mood is infectious, but last week I wondered if my festive spirit had spilled over to the next day when the city was engulfed by that incredible sea fog. It was like a blanket as it pushed over the city and plunged the beaches into as little as 20m visibility.
 
I was lucky to drive to the North Coast when it was at its thickest and it was a special feeling driving across the ridge top above Port Chalmers in hot still sunshine, then turning off to Whareakeake and descending into the thick mist. At the carpark I couldn't even see the beach and even in the water you could only see 50m or so in any direction at times. That didn't stop the 40 or so surfers looking for a fun wave along the point.
 
I returned via St Clair Beach and saw the beach packed with people, some even sunbathing in the small glimpses of sunshine between the fog rolling over. It was a pretty surreal experience for everyone and I think it brought out more smiles than any other weather we've had. It was nice to see.
 
Xmas is upon us so drink in the optimism of a new year and celebrate with family and friends. And, as should be tradition in these parts, make sure you get down to the beach at some stage for a surf, a stroll or just to dip your bare feet in the sand – you'll feel like a kid again and that's what Christmas is all about. Merry Christmas from the team at Dunedin Light